Asbestos Found in Playskool Crayons

October 3, 2018

Parents everywhere are heading out to the local stores to purchase economical school supplies for their children. However, what many may not realize is that one quick trip to the dollar store could result in exposing our kids to asbestos.

In August, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released a report that green Playskool crayons, sold by Dollar Tree and Amazon, contain high levels of asbestos. Although this may sound like shocking news, this was not the first time asbestos was found in school supplies. In July 2015, four other brands of crayons tested positive for asbestos as well.

Although any amount of asbestos in children’s products is unacceptable, PIRG feels that the recent results are encouraging, indicating a decline in the toxicity of children’s products overall.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a carcinogenic material that is linked to a rare and particularly debilitating form of cancer, called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops after asbestos fibers are ingested or inhaled. Once the fibers enter the body, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Over time, this causes irritation and scaring, leading to fast growing, cancerous tumors.

Symptoms of mesothelioma are not immediately evident and can take 10 to 50 years to develop. Although there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, once diagnosed, there are resources available to help patients maintain a higher quality of life.

Mesothelioma Fears from Asbestos Crayons

Although it has been argued that due to the solid state of crayons, children who have used asbestos crayons are not at risk for exposure. However, there are still undeniable risks. For example:

Crayon sharpeners create particles and dust in the air

Small children may be inclined to ingest crayons

Children may be more vulnerable to asbestos exposure

Parents who believe their child was exposed to asbestos and those that have received a mesothelioma diagnosis should contact a Wilmington mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible. Experienced toxicity attorneys can help clients allocate compensation for proper medical care, and locate the resources needed for long-term care.

How to Identify Safe School Supplies

As PIRG continues to identify unsafe products for children, they urge parents to look for the following labels showing a qualified toxicologist has tested the product for toxic hazards:

AP-Approved Product

CL-Cautionary Labeling

CPC- Children’s Product Certificate

Parents can look for these labels on lunchboxes, water bottles, and art supplies, and should remain cautious about purchasing supplies containing no labeling at all.

If you would like more information regarding the risks of asbestos exposure to your children or you believe your child has been exposed to asbestos, contact a knowledgeable Wilmington mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We are ready to hear the details of your case and guide you toward your next steps. To find out what type of compensation you may be entitled to, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. Our offices are in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, and our attorneys practice nationwide.

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